Publications by authors named "M R Betts"
Abstract: Recent clinical trials on slowing dementia progression have led to renewed focus on finding safer, more effective treatments. One approach to identify plausible candidates is to assess whether existing medications for other conditions may affect dementia risk. We conducted a systematic review to identify studies adopting a data-driven approach to investigate the association between a wide range of prescribed medications and dementia risk.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe decline in noradrenergic (NE) locus coeruleus (LC) function in aging is thought to be implicated in episodic memory decline. Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS), which supports LC function, might serve to preserve or improve memory function in aging. However, taVNS effects are generally very heterogeneous, and it is currently unclear whether taVNS has an effect on memory.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHyperphosphorylated tau accumulation is seen in the noradrenergic locus coeruleus from the earliest stages of Alzheimer's disease onwards and has been associated with symptoms of agitation. It is hypothesized that compensatory locus coeruleus-noradrenaline system overactivity and impaired emotion regulation could underlie agitation propensity, but to our knowledge this has not previously been investigated. A better understanding of the neurobiological underpinnings of agitation would help the development of targeted prevention and treatment strategies.
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- Presence-absence surveys are often used to track rare species, but their effectiveness for confirming breeding activity needs validation.
- The study focused on the Marbled Murrelet, a threatened seabird in the Pacific, assessing whether these surveys could successfully identify active nesting sites amid difficult conditions.
- Results indicated that while presence-absence surveys may help suggest potential nesting habitats, they are not reliable for pinpointing actual nesting sites, requiring many repeated surveys to accurately assess breeding activity.
Article Synopsis
- Novel therapies are changing how endometrial cancer (EC) is treated, with a systematic review assessing first-line treatments for advanced or recurrent cases.
- The review included 108 records from 57 trials, showing varied results with median progression-free survival between 1.9 to 18.8 months and overall survival from 6.9 to 41 months.
- Concerns about adverse events from conventional treatments suggest that while efficacy is suboptimal, the promising safety and effectiveness of immunotherapies could significantly alter EC management moving forward.